Stair structure



I. T. NESDALL.

TTTTTTTTTTTTTT APPLICAH u L 7.1919. 1,343,739. Pawnted June 15, 1920.

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NESDALL.

B STRUCTURE,

UNITED STATES JOHN T. NESIDALL, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

STAIR STRUCTURE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 15, 1920.

Application filed July 7, 1919. Serial No. 308,915.

T 0 all whom it may concern Be it known that I, Jorrn T. NESDALL, a citizen of the United States of America, residing at Brooklyn, in the county of Kings and State of New York, have'invented certain new and useful Improvements in Stair Structures, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawing.

This invention relates broadly to stair structures and more specifically tothat class in which the stair components or units are, in the main, constructed of pressed steel.

The object is to provide a stair-structure in which there are, in one aspect of the invention, but two components, namely, a combined tread-and-riser member, and a stringer-member at each end of the combined member, each of the tread-and-riser members being provided with coacting integral means for securing these members together and for attaching these members to the stringer-members.

Another object within the contemplation of the invention is to provide a stair com-- ponent, complete in itself, for attaching it to a corresponding stair component and for securing a plurality of these components to a stringer-component.

The invention, in another aspect, contemplates the provision of an integral treadand-riser component, a pair of stringer-components, and means associated with the ends of the tread-and-riser components for securing these components to the stringer components.

Another object within the contemplation of the invention is so to construct these comparatively few components that they are adapted to be conveniently and rapidly assembled and, withal, possess a high degree of strength and rigidity.

The invention seeks in general to provide a stair structure which is particularly well suited to meet the requirements of the rigid lireregulations enforced in the large cities and yet, by reason of its type and construction, is adapted for use in residences, etc. From an operative standpoint, it will in practical use possess a high degree of efficiency and durability and, from a structural standpoint, it is of great simplicity.

The various obj ect's and advantages of the structure will for the most part be obvious from the annexed drawings and will also be apparent from the following description.

The invention resides broadly in the features of construction, in the novel combination of elements, and in the cooperating agtions and embodiments (employing the underlying principles and salient features of my invention) fall within the spirit thereof and within the objects contemplated thereby. In these drawings:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary view in perspective of a stair-structure built in accordance with one embodiment of my invention;

Fig. 2 is a view in perspective of one of the combined tread-andaiser members, com plete and ready for assemblage;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary view, in perspective, of one of the stringer-members or components;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view in perspective, a section of one of the stringer components being broken away to show its integral, unit-supporting flange and, also, two of the associated stair-units;

Fig. 5 is a view in vertical longitudinal section, showing one of the stringer com ponents in elevation, and two of the stairunits in section, and illustrating, particularly, the assembled relation of the flanges on the riser and tread of the components and the manner of attaching these to each other and to the stringer component;

Fig. 6 is a similar view of a modified form of construction, this modification residing, primarily, in forming the unit securing lug or element straight instead of bent or angu-' lated, as in the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 5; and

Figs. 7 and 8 are views in vertical longitudinal section andin perspective, respectively, of still another modified form of con struction.

Referring to the drawings, it will be noted that the reference-character 1 designates a combined member or stair-unit including, as an integral structure, a tread or tread-portion 2, a riser or riser-portion 3, an elongated vertical flange 4 upstanding from the "tread-portion and an elongated horizontal flange 5 outstanding from the riser-portion. This combined member is preferably constructed of pressed steel and, in both embodiments herein disclosed, it is in the general form shown. In the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 5, it is one of the two primary components of the structure; while, in the embodiment of Figs. 7 and 8, it is one of the three primary embodiments of the structure.

The second component of the structure includes, at opposite ends of the combined member, a side stringer or stringer-member 6. Preferably and as shown, each stringer is provided with an inwardlyextending member-supporting portion or flange 7 of substantially the same length as the stringer itself.

At equi distantly spaced points, the stringer-flange 7 is provided with memberseating recesses or cutouts 8. In the pre ferred embodiment of my construction, the edges of the flange which form the walls of the cutouts are practically parallel to each other and are cut at an angle to the plane of the surfaces of the flange.

Preferably and as shown, the flange lof the tread-portion is of a width less than that of the tread 2. The tread is provided or is formed with pendant elements or pieces 9 which Xtend somewhat below the lower surface of the tread; and these elements 9 are adapted to project through the recesses 8 in the stringer flange.

The outstanding flange 5 on the riser 3 is of a width-wise dimension less than that of the riser and is adapted to occupy the position between the pendant pieces or elements 9 when two of the units are aggrouped on the stringers. Thus, it will be seen that the flange 41 on the tread occupies a position in front of and parallel with the outer surface of the riser of the proximate unit when two units are assembled on the stringers; and,

: likewise, each of the flanges 5 on each stair unit underlies the lower surface of the riser. In consequence, each stair-unit rests upon and 1s supported directly by the flange 5 of its proximate stair-unit, while the pendant.

ieces 9 effect an interlockin of two units with each other and to the stringers.

r In the preferred construction of the invention, the pendant pieces 9 are bent or curved somewhat, as shown at 10 particularly in Figs. l, and 5, so as to engage the corner of the recess 8 in the stringer flange and hereby efiect a more complete and rigid interlocking of the units and stringer members.

In Fig. 6, the pendant elements or pieces 9 are, as a modification, shown. straight.

In both of these forms of construction, no other securing means are employed for fastening the stair-units to each other and to the stringers.

'lin Figs. 7 and 8, however, I have shown a modified construction, in which a unit" holding device is employed. In this instance, the stringer flange 11 is provided, at equi distantly spaced points, with memberreceiving recesses or cutouts 12, the edges thereof being practically parallel to each other but cut at-an angle to the plane of the surfaces of the flange. Juntaposed to each recess is a bolt-hole adapted to receive a mem' ber holding an anchoring element which, in this instance, is disclosed as a bolt 18 adapted to project through the hole, as shown. This member-holding element con stitutes the third of the primary components of the structure of Figs. 7 and 8.

The asscm5Zczge.Referring to the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 5, it will be seen that the stringers 6 having been set up, in much the usual manner, with their flanges extending toward each other, a combined member 1 is positioned so that its lower, flanged portion 5 is seated in one of the member receiving recesses in each stringer. lVhen thus disposed, the lower face of the flange 5 will rest on the edge or corner 1%, while the rear surface of the riser-portion will engage the edge or corner 15. Then, another of the combined members 1 is similarly seated and, at the same time, the pendant-elements 9 are, disposed at opposite ends of the flanged por tion l and through the recesses 8 in the stringer flange 7 and under and in engage ment with the edge or corner 16 of the stringer flange. .VVhen thus aggrouped, each stair-unit is interlocked with two of the proximate units and also with the stringers.

Referring to the embodiment of Figs. 7 and 8, it will be seen that, after the stairunits are assembled on the stringer flanges, as already described, the bolts 13 are threaded into the stringers and made secure therein so as to fasten the stair-units to the stringers and thus indirectly fasten the stairunits to each other.

In these different embodiments, the structure thus constituted of the two components-the stair-unit and the stringermemberwould provide a substantial and efficient stair structure, since one combined member (by reason of its co-acting relation to the one next above it) would serve to maintain that which is next above it in position.

It will now be perceived from the foregoing that I have succeeded in devising a stairstructure which is well adapted to achieve the several objects and advantages in view. It is simple and compact in form, and the components of which it is constituted are inexpensive to manufacture and very readily fabricated.

As many modifications and variations can he obviously made in this construction without departing from the spirit thereof or sacrificing any of the salient features or under-.

lying principles of the same, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense.

What I claim is 2- 1. A metallic stair including a pair of side stringers having inwardly-extending unit-sustaining sections, and a plurality of associated stair-units securable thereon and comprising, each, a tread-portion and an integral riserportion, each of these portions being provided with an elongated angular flange of unbroken continuity but of less dimension in one direction than the longitudinal dimensions of either the tread or the riser-portions, the flange of the tread-portion upstanding therefrom and occupying a position in front of and in engagement with the front face of the proximate riser-portion, and the flange on the riser-portion extending at approximately a right angle therefrom and underlying a section of the tread-portion and also the flange upstanding therefrom.

2. A metallic stair including a pair of side stringers having inwardly-extending unitsupporting flanges provided with unitreceiving recesses; a series of stair units associated therewith and comprising, each, a tread-portion and an integral riser-portion, each of these portions being provided with an elongated angular flange, the flange of the tread-portion upstanding therefrom and occupying a position in front of and in parallelism with the riser-portion of the proximate unit, and the flange on the tread-pen tion underlying the underside of the riserportion, the tread-portion being formed with a plurality of pendant integral lugs at its opposite extremities and extending in a direction opposite to its upstanding flange, said lugs engaging opposite ends of the flange on the riser-portion and extending through the recesses in the stringer flanges.

3. A metallic stair including a pair of side stringers having inwardly-extending unit-sustaining flanges provided with spaced apart cutouts or recesses; and a series of stair units mounted thereon and comprising, each, a tread-portion and an integral riser-portion, each of these portions being provided with an elongated angular flange, the flange of the tread-portion upstanding therefrom and formed at an approximately right angle to the upper surface thereof and occupying a position in front of and in parallelism with the proximate riser-portion, and the flange on the riser-portion extending at approximate right angles to the vertical surface of the riser portion and underlying and supporting the flange-provided section of the tread-portion, and means for securing units to each other and to the stringers including integral, pendant ele ments formed at the opposite extremities of the tread-portion and extending below the flange on the riser-portion and through the cutouts in the stringer-flanges, the pendant elements and the upstanding flange on the tread portion extending in opposite directions and being disposed in substantially vertical alinement.

41-. A metallic stair including a pair of side stringers having inwa'idly-extending unitsustaining flanges provided with spaced apart cutouts or recesses; and a series of stair units mounted thereon and comprising, each, a trea :l-portion and an integral riserportion, each of these portions being provided with an elongated angular flange, the flange of the tread-portion occupying a position in front of and in parallelism with the proximate riserportion, and the flange on the riser-portion underlying and supporting the flange-provided section of the tread-portion, and means for securing units to each other and to the stringers including integral, pendant elements on the tread-portion and extending below the flange on the riser-portion and through the cutouts in the stringerflanges and disposed in substantially the same vertical plane as, and in alinement with, the upstanding flange on the tread portion, said elements being angulated to engage the under face of the stringer-flanges.

5.,A metallic stair including a series of associated stair units comprising, each, a tread-portion having an upstanding, right angular flange of less width than that of the tread-portion, the latter being provided at its extremities with pendant unit-attaching elements integral with the tread-portion, and a riser-portion formed with an outstanding, right angular flange of unbroken continuity and of a width less than that of the riser-portion.

6. A metallic stair including a series of associated stair units comprising, each, a tread-portion having an upstanding, right angular flange of less width than that of the tread-portion, the latter being provided with pendant unit-attaching elements integral with the tread-portion, and a riser-portion formed with an outstanding, right angular flange of a width less than that of the riser-portion, the pendant elements 011 the tread-portion occupying a position at opposite ends of the flange on the riser-portion and extending downwardly away from the flange on the tread portion.

7. A metallic stair including a series of associated stair units comprising, each, a tread-portion having an upstanding, right angular flange of less width than that of the tread-portion, the latter being provided with pendant unit-attaching elements integrail with the tread-portion, and a riserportion formed with an outstanding, right angular flange of a width less than that of the riser-portion, the pendant elements on the treadportion extending downwardly and disposed in the same vertical plane as the upstanding flange on the tread portion and also occupying a position at opposite ends of the flange on the riser-portion. said elements being angular with respect to the under surface of the flange on the riser-portion to perform a holding action.

8. A metallic stair including a plurality of associated stair-units, each unitdcomprising a tread-portion having a right-angular upstanding flange of a width less than that of the tread-portion and also having two unit securing, integral elements depending at substantially right angles to and below the lower face of the tread-portions, and the riser-portion having also a rightangular flangeof a width less than that of the tread-portion, the depending elements occupying, when two units are in operative association, a position at opposite ends of the flange on the riser-portion extending in the same general vertical plane as the flange on the tread portion but in an opposite direction therefrom.

9. A metallic stair-structure including a plurality of self-securing stair-units, each comprising a tread-portion formed with an integral, upstanding flange of unbroken continuity and with two unit-securing elements spaced apart from each other by the upstanding flange and depending from the tread-portion, and a riser-portion formed with an integral flange of a width less than that of the riser-portion and adapted to occupy a position between the depending elements, the latter being disposed in parallelism with the riser portion but spaced therefrom by the tread portion and being bent to perform a securing action when two units are mounted, one upon the other.

10. A metallic stair-unit comprising a tread formed with an integral, upstanding right-angular flange of a width less than that of the tread-portion, and with pendant unit-securing elements, and a riser formed with an angulated flange of a width less than that of the riser-portion, said unitsecuring elements being spaced apart from each other a distance equal to the width of the flange on the tread portion.

11. A metallic stair unit comprising a tread-portion formed with an integral, upstanding right-angular flange of unbroken continuity and of a width less than that of the tread portion, the tread portion being also formed at its extremities with two pend ant unit-securing lugs extending from the tread portion in a direction opposite that of the flange thereon, and a riser portion formed with a right-angular flange of approximately the same width as the flange on the tread portion.

12. A metallic stair including a plurality of associated stair units, each unit comprising a tread portion formed with an integral, upstanding right-angular flange of unbroken continuity and of a width less than that of the tread portion, the latter be ing also formed with two pendant unitsecuring elements spaced apart from each other a distance equal to the width of the flange on the tread portion, and a riserportion formed with a right-angular flange of approximately the same width as that on the tread portion, in combination with a pair of stringers formed with spaced apart recesses in which said lugs are seated; the flange on the riser portion underlying and supporting the tread portion, and the flange on the tread portion being disposed in front of the front surface of the riser portion and occupying a position at right angles to the underlying flange on the riser portion.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JOHN T. NESDALL.

Witnesses:

E; M. HowsoN, 1;;

' ELLIOTT B; Murray. 

